Feeding difficulties are frequent in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The main goal of this project was to develop TEAlimento, a behavioral program for children ages 3-8 with ASD and feeding difficulties. The intervention combines parent training in group and individual sessions, as well as group sessions with children. The second goal was to conduct a pilot study to evaluate the effect of the program.
It was hypothesized that the intervention would decrease food rejection and disruptive behavior during meals, as well as increase the number of foods tried. A decrease in parent stress was also expected.
age range between 3 and 8 years old
confirmed diagnosis of cut-off at the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-2 (ADOS-2, Lord et al., 2000)
presence of significant feeding difficulties, defined as one or more of the following issues: significant food rejection, significant disruptive behavior at meals, significant selectivity based on type, texture, and presentation, and significant stress to family caused by these feeding difficulties.
acquired oral-motor abilities to chew food
severe intellectual disability (intellectual or adaptive functioning below 35)
severe behavioral problems
medical risk situation that required more intensive intervention.